Breathe Better with Balloon Sinuplasty
Chronic sinusitis and reoccurring sinus infections are unpleasant to deal with. If medications do not effectively relieve your symptoms, you may be a candidate for a procedure called Balloon Sinuplasty. During this minimally invasive surgery, a small balloon is placed inside of the nose to expand the sinus passages, which allows them to drain better. Recovery time is significantly shorter than with traditional sinus surgery, and the results are just as effective.
At California Sinus Centers, we can determine if this procedure is a good fit for you and provide treatment that allows you to breathe easily as you do what matters most to you.
Are You a Candidate for a Balloon Sinuplasty?
The procedure is typically performed on adults who:
- Have a mild form of sinusitis
- Do not have nasal polyps or tumors
- Can tolerate local anesthesia
How Does Balloon Sinuplasty Differ from Other Surgeries?
Traditional surgery in the sinus area involves cutting and excision of bone and tissue and typically comes with a recovery time of five days.
Balloon Sinuplasty widens the openings of your sinus passageways without removing tissue.
Because of this, it causes less pain and has an average recovery time of just a day and a half. The FDA-approved procedure has a lower risk of complications or side effects and does not leave visible scarring or bruising.
Brief, Safe, Convenient
A Balloon Sinuplasty procedure can be performed in our office, often in under 30 minutes. Our ENT will give you a local anesthetic and an oral sedative to ensure that you are comfortable. Next, they’ll use an endoscope to guide the balloon catheter into your sinuses. The balloon is then inflated to expand the sinus opening.
Balloon sinuplasty involves little to no tissue removal inside the nose and sinuses. At the present time, it is used to open the frontal, maxillary and sphenoid sinuses. Because the technique was recently introduced, surgeons are still learning which patients it will work best for and when it is the appropriate choice of device for surgery. Situations that balloon sinuplasty is usually not appropriate for are cases of large nasal polyps or significant scarring from previous sinus surgery.
Technology Overview
Balloon Sinuplasty devices provide an endoscopic, catheter-based system for patients suffering from sinusitis. Recently published data in the leading ENT journal shows that the technology is safe and effective: study participants experienced no adverse events and received significant relief from their symptoms. This is similar to how angioplasty uses balloons to open blocked coronary arteries.
What Are the Benefits of a Balloon Sinuplasty?
Safe and Effective
While use of any surgical instrument involves some risk, clinical studies have indicated this approach to be – safe and effective – in relieving symptoms of sinusitis, in carefully selected patients.
Minimally Invasive
The technology uses small, soft, flexible devices that enter entirely through the nostrils. These devices gently open blocked sinus openings in many cases, without tissue or bone removal.
Reduced Bleeding
Because no tissue or bone is removed when using this technology, there is often very little bleeding associated with the procedure.
Improved Recovery Time
Most patients return to normal activities the next day.
Does Not Limit Treatment Options
This technology is an endoscopic tool and may be used with other medical therapies or sinus surgery techniques. It does not limit future treatment options if you have progressive disease. If the balloon fails to address your sinus problems other options may be available in the office or the OR.
What Can I Expect After a Balloon Sinuplasty?
You will likely be able to return home shortly after the procedure is finished. You might experience drainage or minor discomfort in your nose.
In the days following the procedure, you will use saline rinses to help flush out mucus and debris as the nose heals. This will also prevent infection, scarring or buildup in the nasal passageways.
According to a multicenter study, up to 95% of patients report a significant improvement in sinus symptoms following this procedure.
If you have recurring difficulties with your sinuses, our team at California Sinus Centers is here to help. Whether your best option is Balloon Sinuplasty or another option, we can provide treatment to alleviate your symptoms.
Call California Sinus Centers for more information or to schedule an appointment.